Cardinal Tauran Addresses Hindus for Feast of Diwali

Peace is not Absence of War but "Restoration of Harmony"

November 09, 2012
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By Ann Schneible

ROME, Nov. 9, 2012 (Zenit.org).- President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran addressed members of the Hindu religion on the occasion of the feast of Diwali, emphasizing the urgent need to promote peace.

At a time in history when "various negative forces threaten the legitimate aspirations in many regions of the world for peaceful co-existence," Cardinal Tauran said, "we would like to use this cherished tradition of sharing with you a reflection to explore the responsibility that Hindus, Christians and others have in doing everything possible to form all people, especially the young generation, into peace-makers."

"Peace is not merely absence of war, nor is it a pact or treaty which ensures a tranquil life; rather, it is being complete and intact, a restoration of harmony (cf.Benedict XVI, Ecclesia in Medio Oriente, 9) and a fruit of charity."

The cardinal went on: "If peace is to be authentic and enduring, it must be built on the pillars of truth, justice, love and freedom (cf.John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, 35), and all young men and women need to be taught above all to act truthfully and justly in love and freedom. Furthermore, in all education for peace, cultural differences ought surely to be treated as a richness rather than a threat or danger."

"The family," he continued, "is the first school of peace and the parents the primary educators for peace. By their example and teachings, they have the unique privilege of forming their children in values that are essential for peaceful living: mutual trust, respect, understanding, listening, sharing, caring and forgiving."

This formation must then continue throughout a young person's education, through to university, so that they learn to respect and celebrate the intrinsic dignity of all people. "With spiritual and moral values as the bedrock of education, it becomes their ethical imperative also to caution the students against ideologies that cause discord and division."

The Cardinal emphasized the importance of religious leaders in promoting peace: "by reason of their vocation to be spiritual and moral leaders," he said, they "must continue to inspire the young generation to walk the path of peace and to become messengers of peace. Since all means of communication greatly shape the way people think, feel and act, those involved in these fields must, to the utmost possible extent, contribute to promoting thoughts, words, and works of peace. Indeed, young people themselves ought to live up to the ideals they set for others, by employing their freedom responsibly and by promoting cordial relationships for a culture of peace."

This "wholeness which peace conveys," Cardinal Tauran concluded, "will shape a more fraternal world and a 'new kind of fraternity' among people in which 'a shared sense of the greatness of each person' will prevail. (cf. BENEDICT XVI, Apostolic Journey to Lebanon, Meeting with Members of the Government, Institutions of the Republic, the Diplomatic Corps, Religious leaders and Representatives from the world of culture, 15 September 2012).

"May all of us seek, always and everywhere, to adhere to the moral and religious imperative to inspire the young as they strive to become peace-makers."

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